Stanford University President Marc Tessier-Lavigne has resigned following concerns about his research
Wednesday, 19 July 2023 18:13
SAN FRANCISCO — The president of Stanford University said Wednesday he will be stepping down, citing an independent review that cleared him of research errors but found flaws in other papers written by his lab.
Marc Tessier-Lavigne said in a statement to students and staff that he would be stepping down on August 31.
The resignation comes after the board of trustees launched a review in December following allegations he engaged in fraud and other unethical behavior related to his research and papers.
He said he “never submits a scientific paper without a firm belief that the data is correct and accurately presented.” But according to him, he should have been more diligent in seeking corrections related to his work.
The review assessed 12 papers that Tessier-Lavigne worked on, and she was lead author of five of them. He said he was aware of the problems with four of the five papers but acknowledged taking “inadequate” steps to deal with the problems.
He said he would pull out three papers and correct two.
Tessier-Lavigne said she was stepping down because she expected the debate to continue about her ability to lead the university. He will remain on the faculty as a biology professor.
Tessier-Lavigne also said she would continue her research on brain development and neurodegeneration.
He has been president for nearly seven years.
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